Argentina

Buenos Aires Transport

Transport

The street structure, organised in a grid pattern, makes it easy
to get around in Buenos Aires, and the best way to explore the city
and take in its character is on foot. However, the city is serviced
by an efficient, widespread and cheap public transport system that
consists of buses and an excellent underground rail service (the
Subte). Although it services most of the city centre, the
Subte is not very extensive beyond the central core. The
Subte is cost effective since it is charged per journey
and not dependent on the distance travelled. Pre-paid
Subte cards or passes can be purchased from the ticket
booths (boleterias) at each station. It gets very hot and
crowded in summer especially during peak hours, and closes between
11pm and 5am.

The bus network is huge and covers the city, and although very
useful for getting around, the overwhelming number of routes make
it confusing for tourists. Bus fares are paid in coins into an
automatic ticket vending machine when boarding the bus. Many
services run all night but with less frequency. There are also
urban train services that can be useful for reaching the outlying
suburbs.

SUBE cards can be purchased at many kiosks, shops and post
offices throughout the city, which unify the bus and Subte
services and reduce the cost of bus journeys. It is the most
convenient means of payment.

Taxis are everywhere and are relatively inexpensive. Although
generally safe, visitors should be aware that there are fake taxis
that pick up tourists and rob them. It is safer to phone for a
radio taxi or remis, a fixed-price radio cab booked in
advance that acts like a chauffeur-driven car and can be cheaper
than taxis over longer distances. They are often more useful than
renting a car for excursions from the city and even for a day's
tour of the suburbs.

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